Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks thyroid cells, often resulting in the production of abnormal antibodies and an infiltration of white blood cells. While the exact cause is not fully understood, a family history of thyroid disease is commonly noted, and the disorder primarily affects young to middle-aged women, although it can occur at any age. Symptoms can include mild pressure on the thyroid, fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, and hair loss, with some individuals developing a goiter or enlarged thyroid gland.
The onset of Hashimoto's thyroiditis is typically gradual, and it may take months or years for symptoms to become apparent. Diagnosis usually involves a combination of medical examination and blood tests to assess thyroid hormone and antibody levels, with further testing potentially needed to confirm the diagnosis. While there is no cure, treatment primarily involves hormone replacement therapy using thyroxine, which can alleviate symptoms and help manage thyroid function. The prognosis is generally good, as the condition can remain stable for extended periods.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis
ALSO KNOWN AS: Hashimoto's disease, chronic thyroiditis, struma lymphomatosa, lymphadenoid goiter, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, autoimmune thyroiditis
ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Endocrine system, glands, immune system, neck
DEFINITION: An autoimmune disease that results in inflammation of the thyroid gland caused when abnormal blood antibodies and white blood cells infiltrate and attack thyroidal cells
CAUSES:Autoimmune in origin
SYMPTOMS: Mild pressure on thyroid gland, goiter, fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, hair loss
DURATION: Chronic
TREATMENTS: Hormone replacement therapy with thyroxine
Causes and Symptoms
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a common type of hypothyroidism. The cause and of this disorder is not fully understood; however, it is thought to have an autoimmune origin, in which abnormal blood antibodies and white blood cells, called lymphocytes, infiltrate and attack thyroid cells. The combative interplay between the lymphocytes and the thyroid may lead to a complete absence of thyroid cells. A family history of thyroid disease is commonly traced.
The highest incidence of the disease is observed in young or middle-aged women, but it may occur at any age. The onset is very slow, and the disease may progress for many months or years before it is fully detected. The symptoms may vary, but the condition is usually characterized by a mild pressure on the thyroid gland. In some cases, a firm, slightly irregular, and sometimes tender goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) may develop in the neck region. In more severe cases, the disease may cause symptoms related to low thyroid function (hypothyroidism), such as fatigue, weight gain, intolerance to cold, constipation, and loss.
The symptomatology of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may resemble other medical conditions. Therefore, in addition to a full medical examination, the diagnostic procedure must also include blood tests to determine the levels of thyroid hormone and thyroid antibodies. If a patient has developed the classic symptoms that accompany Hashimoto’s thyroiditis but has a normal blood test, then a in which a needle is inserted into the thyroid and some cells are removed may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment and Therapy
Though a specific treatment is not yet available, the resulting from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can be treated with hormones. Medical practitioners opt to commence hormone therapy, in the form of thyroxine, as soon as a diagnosis is made, even if thyroid function is normal at the time. The is expected to shrink any that has developed. If there is no response, then surgery may be required. The for a full recovery is usually good because the disease remains dormant or stable for many years.
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